Stakeholder's perception of the health information system performance in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: the health information system (HIS) in Burkina Faso has improved significantly in recent years. In order to suggest further improvements, we specifically assessed the HIS performance indicators of the epidemic surveillance system from the perspectives of the stakeholders.

Methods: we conducted a mixed methods study to assess the performance through timeliness and completeness indicators, strengths, and weaknesses of the HIS in Burkina Faso with specific focus on epidemic surveillance in the health districts of Dandé and Tenkodogo for the period of 2016 to 2019.

Results: fewer than 35% of health districts were able to report at least 90% completeness of community reports since 2017. In 2018, four districts did not exceed 1% completeness of community reports. Some concerns remain related to a need of local support and inter-sectoral collaboration. The technical and organizational factors affect process and performance of the system directly or indirectly through behavioral determinants.

Conclusion: the ability to measure the performance of all health facilities and to share all community reports online are challenges for the health system in Burkina Faso. New technologies, training-sensitization, and the involvement of actors with influence on social or behavioral change could help to ensure dynamic performance, if perceptions of actors are taken into account.